Once compared to a sewer rat, El Hadji Diouf says he will become “a legend” if
he can help Leeds achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Diouf has signed a short-term contract until January at Elland Road – a deal concluded by manager Neil Warnock, who made the unflattering comparison of the striker to a rodent when in charge of Queens Park Rangers. The Senegalese responded by scoring Leeds’ first goal in a 3-3 thriller with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

“I’m so happy,” enthused Diouf. "Leeds United are one of my dreams. I used to like Leeds when Cantona used to play here – the atmosphere is amazing.”

He added: “If I can get promoted with Leeds into the Premier League, I will be a legend in England.”

Blackburn manager Steve Kean, though, was adamant that Diouf’s goal should not have stood, claiming the forward fouled Paul Robinson. “The turning point was the blatant foul on Robinson,” he said. “He can’t come for the ball to punch because the attacker is jumping into him.”